016. Dangerous Crop

Just Say "No" to GMO's and Pesticides

Is it too late to change our unsafe ways?

Why are we just starting to discover the benefits of eating organic and GMO-free foods? Most of us have heard to term GMO at least once. Let's start by explaining what a GMO or a genetically modified organism is. It is exactly what it sounds like, an organism or microorganism whose genetic material has been altered by means of genetic engineering. You may ask, what's the big deal? Well, thanks for asking. Let us explain. 

The reason we're concerned with the consumption of GMO foods is because it is dangerous on many levels. Contrary to popular belief, a crop that is genetically modified does not imply that it is free from pesticides. Rather, there is often an increase in the amount of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides that are used on the crop. These are the poisons found on and in our food. Next, by messing with the genetic code of a food item, you're doing just that, altering the crop from it's natural state. I think it's safe to say, regardless of what you believe, that Nature/God/Evolution/Universe got it right in the first place. According to Organic Authority:

Genetic engineering reduces genetic diversity. When genes are more diverse, they are more robust; this is why a pure bred dog tends to have greater health problems than the dear old mutt. Plants with reduced genetic diversity cannot handle drought, fungus invasions or insects nearly as well as natural plants, which could have dire consequences for farmers and communities dependent on GMO crops for survival.
 
The cultivation of genetically modified plant and animal organisms have been banned in numerous countries. It has only been in the last couple years that laws are being presented pushing for labeling of genetically modified food in the U.S. Why is this happening so late? It couldn't have stumped scientists for so long. In reality, they are the ones who have made the transition into these dangerous practices that negatively effect our crops possible, even though there is no evidence that GMO foods are safe to eat.

Why are GMOs and pesticides so prevalent in our society despite the dangers? We have one dirty word for you, Monsanto. At the very least, Monsanto gives us the creeps. This organization hides behind the front of "A Sustainable Agriculture Company." In reality, through biotechnology and harsh chemicals, Monsanto turns to dangerous efforts in order to make an enormous profit. 

Being a farmer is difficult; you have to fight against harsh seasons, bugs, pests, droughts and much more. In order to make farmers' jobs a little easier while obtaining a much higher yield of fruits and veggies, farmers allow our food supply to be rained on by harsh chemicals as well as allowing the genetic makeup of our food to be tampered with. While this may seem like a good thing, the negative side effects to both of these practices are still kept under-wraps.

This brings us to our change for this week. We would like for you to educate yourself and at least one other person on the dangerous effects behind genetically modified foods. The Institute for Responsible Technology published a fascinating article that we encourage you to read. 

Going beyond educating yourself, we suggest taking action this week. Places to buy non-GMO seeds are few and far between. Go to www.survivalseedbank.com and order at least one pack of seeds. Plant them in your garden. Don't have a garden? Then go out and purchase a pot, a little bit of soil and some non-GMO seeds. With a little effort and lots of sun and water, pretty soon you'll be on your way to saying "Up Yours Monsanto!"

The picture featured in this blog is our personal "neighbor garden." We used seeds that are largely non-GMO and organic. Thanks to Nik and Nicole for hosting this beautiful garden.